A map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows states where people got sick after eating McDonald's Quarter Pounder burgers and contracting E. coli.
On Tuesday night, an E. coli outbreak that sickened 49 people and killed one in 10 states was linked to the Golden Arches' famous burgers for the first time.
Colorado and Nebraska are the states with the highest number of cases. At least 26 people have become ill in Colorado, including one elderly person, according to the CDC.
Nebraska has nine confirmed cases of E. coli, the second-highest number of any single state, according to the CDC.
Wyoming and Utah each have four confirmed E. coli cases linked to the McDonald's outbreak, according to the CDC.
According to the CDC, one case each has been confirmed in Oregon, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas.
The E. coli O157:H7 strain that caused the rapid spread at McDonald's can cause serious illness and complications.
According to the CDC, one person with the illness associated with the outbreak developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The CDC warned that “the actual number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than reported” because many people recover from E. coli without seeking medical care.
Bacterial infections are most serious in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people.
The CDC urged customers who experience diarrhea, fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration after eating a McDonald's Quarter Pounder to contact their health care provider.
McDonald's serves Quarter Pounder patties and The company has temporarily suspended its supply of sliced onions, and investigative authorities are working to confirm the ingredients that caused the spread of infection. the CDC said.
The earliest illness associated with the outbreak began on September 27th. The last reported illness began on October 11th.
Those affected ranged in age from 13 to 88 years old, according to the CDC.
The CDC interviewed 18 people who had been infected with E. coli. All 18 people reported eating at McDonald's before becoming infected.
Approximately 86% of these individuals said they specifically remember eating a Quarter Pounder hamburger.
